If you’ve been hanging around any anime spaces online over the past few months, you would’ve likely come across the dancing deer anime meme from the currently airing My Deer Friend Nokotan anime.
Ahead of the first episode of My Deer Friend Nokotan, Anime Trending got the chance to talk with Megumi Han, who voices the titular Nokotan, and Saki Fujita, the deuteragonist Koshitan’s voice actor. The two discuss their favorite scenes, some behind-the-mic fun in the recording booth, and more about the surrealist series.
The interview has been edited for clarity and flow from a supplied translation.
Getting to Know the My Deer Friend Nokotan Characters
Can you introduce your My Deer Friend Nokotan characters?
Megumi Han: Well, she’s a deer, all the time. You can’t mistake her for anything else, since her name — Noko Shikanoko — is a deer pun! Call her Nokotan. It’s her deer life that makes her so captivating. She’s just living free and wild with no rules to hold her back.
Saki Fujita: Koshitan, president of the student council, is like the epitome of excellence and beauty at Hino Minami High School. Meanwhile, she’s all about striving to maintain her “model student” image while hiding her past as a former delinquent. Apart from her past, she’s just your average high school girl who adores all things cute. Totally grounded and normal.
So, when Nokotan enters her life, her whole world gets upside down. When there’s no one to play the fool, Koshitan responds sharply, faces tough situations, and battles alone. No matter what, she shines.
That’s what makes her so impressive! Though saying that might just stress her out even more! (laughs)
I’m having a blast playing her, so I’m really grateful to fulfill her role.
What were your thoughts after first reading the My Deer Friend Nokotan script/source material?
Han: Chaos is the word that comes to mind. You never knew what was coming on the next page. Who would’ve thought of blowing up a gym with deer antlers? This world doesn’t play by the rules. Then there’s Noko-tan, the epitome of addictive chaos. With just a “Notsu!” or a “Nun!” she builds the whole universe around her.
Fujita: The original work was so captivating that I finished it in a blink of an eye. The lines flowed smoothly and I could already imagine how fun it would be to perform them.
When I read the script for the first episode, the weight of Koshitan’s character felt immense. The word “responsibility” weighed heavily (laughs).
But during the first recording session, being able to work with everyone lifted my spirits. It was just so much fun.
For fans not familiar with My Deer Friend Nokotan, how would you describe the show’s premise?
Han: I don’t think an explanation is needed. I’d just say, “Feel it, don’t think about it.”
Fujita: It’s a deer anime. From there, you’ll probably wonder, “What’s with the deer?”
The trailer has stood out for its wackiness and unhinged comical drawings. What can the audience expect from the show and your characters’ relationship?
Han: My favorite character is of course Nokotan, but besides her, Koshitan is also so adorable. Without her, the series couldn’t have happened. The story wouldn’t have begun without that chance encounter with Koshitan. If “My Deer Friend” is Nokotan, from her point of view, Koshitan is “My Dear Friend.”
Rather than a “bond” between them, I kind of feel it’s more like “being bonded” — Koshitan has been bonded with Nokotan. It’s a pretty sweet dynamic.
What is a highlight of My Deer Friend Nokotan for you?
Han: Every scene is a gem! Dive into this meticulously crafted world from corner to corner and enjoy the ride!!!
Fujita: I’d say all of them! But that won’t answer the question. If I had to pick one, Koshitan’s singing scene in episode 3 is a must-see moment! Oh, and fans should keep an eye out for the deers in the background whenever they appear.
My favorite episode, which is also in the original manga, has to be Deer Life Game. I also love the Shrine episode. It helps that I have a soft spot for Mitsusan, the grandma who worships deer.
Comedy, Deers, and Nokotan
It seems that Nokotan is the boke of the show while Koshitan is the tsukkomi. What direction did you receive regarding the portrayal of your characters?
Han: The key was to just go with the flow… But hey, let’s be real, acting without thinking is a tall order! Just kidding. There were moments where I had to nail it as a voice actor, and switching up the vibes required some careful consideration. It was all about finding that balance between sticking to the script and letting loose with the performance.
Fujita: Koshitan thinks it would be the end of the world if her former delinquent identity were exposed, but that is not something you can hide easily, so she always keeps her battle mode on.
Obviously, there is comedy on the screen. Has there been any comedy in the recording between the voice actors?
Han: During recording, I always aimed to make Oshioshio-sensei (the manga creator) laugh as much as possible since they were always there at the studio. I felt like winning every time I managed to crack sensei up. However, I started to try too hard and ended up flubbing my lines and spreading this bad habit to everyone. So, I’d like to take this opportunity to apologize for that. It’s true what they say about “too much of a good thing.” I deeply regret it.
The sharp comebacks from Fujita-san, who plays Koshitan, are always like a breath of fresh air every episode. No matter how much she snaps at me or gives me the cold shoulder, you can still feel the love underneath. It’s like, even though I keep playing the fool, I don’t feel like I’m alone. It’s truly heartwarming not just from her but from the whole cast.
Fujita: Kikuko Inoue, who voices Ms. Ukai, would listen to our recordings during her sessions and couldn’t help but laugh. It was such a confidence boost to have a senior voice actor laughing along with us, helping me imagine that the viewers might be laughing too! I’m giving it my all with the support of such a kind senior!
During recording sessions, we didn’t have much room for ad-libbing as per the director’s guidance. But it was always amusing to hear Han-chan (Megumi Han) asking in Nokotan’s voice, “Can I try something here?” while sneakily adding ad-libs.
Do you have a message for international audiences looking forward to My Deer Friend Nokotan?
Han: Given the pre-release buzz, it’s heartwarming to realize that deers are loved by people around the world. My Deer Friend Nokotan is always here to welcome you. Feel free to watch it whenever you like, feel however you want, and share it as you please. May Koshitan and her friends be the nourishment for your heart.
Fujita: I believe this anime can convey its message even to those who don’t understand Japanese, so I’m thrilled to receive support from people all around the world.
To those who watched the trailer, please consider watching the full anime! I hope you’ll tune in to the broadcast and help spread the word about the deer worldwide! Thank you so much for your support! Let’s go, deer power!
My Deer Friend Nokotan is currently streaming worldwide on multiple platforms. Thanks to REMOW for setting up this interview and translating the answers. The manga is being released in English by Seven Seas Entertainment.
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